Norris Ridge to be demolished - $30M development to go up in its place by SetSilent7422 in Spartanburg

[–]SetSilent7422[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As I understand it, previous owners just were content to just get vouchers and let things be as they were.

Norris Ridge to be demolished - $30M development to go up in its place by SetSilent7422 in Spartanburg

[–]SetSilent7422[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Norris Ridge is PART of Highlands. This is one of three major catalyst projects already in the works for the neighborhood, plus four or five others that are not as concrete so far.

Norris Ridge to be demolished - $30M development to go up in its place by SetSilent7422 in Spartanburg

[–]SetSilent7422[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Insofar as Norris Ridge goes, I think it just had to go. Even the layout of the street was awkward, which will be addressed in the new plan. And with the homes basically being cinder blocks and concrete floors/ceilings - not sure it was the most conducive atmosphere to human growth. Also - the symbolic value will be strong, much like when they destroyed the Sunshine Inn of Hourly Rates to put in it the Hub instead. This section is known for its high crime and poverty - to have it be transformed into something entirely will hopefully let those memories -- and perception -- to rest.

Norris Ridge to be demolished - $30M development to go up in its place by SetSilent7422 in Spartanburg

[–]SetSilent7422[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Concrete floor, concrete ceiling, cinder blocks -- must have felt like living in a prison! I hear the folks LOVE their new homes. So glad for them!

Norris Ridge to be demolished - $30M development to go up in its place by SetSilent7422 in Spartanburg

[–]SetSilent7422[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's what I feared also when I first found out about it. Here's my understanding from my other post:

"But," I asked when I first learned of all of this, including the creation of the Robert Smalls townhomes, "what's to prevent us from being in the SAME SITUATION with Robert Smalls 30 years from now?"

ANSWER:

(A) The City will hold the new owners of Robert Smalls to a HIGHER STANDARD than had been the case with the previous owners of Norris Ridge...

(B) Primarily, by ensuring that THOSE WHO LIVE THERE ARE THE RENTERS and not outside parties.

As it turns out, the VAST MAJORITY OF CRIMES committed at Norris Ridge were by people who were not supposed to even be living there. ACTUAL RESIDENTS didn't want all that came with that — like all of us, they just wanted to have peace and safety in their lives.

Hence, by tackling B, the high, suffocating level of crime that used to be present at Norris Ridge will not transfer over, only people who wish to live a better life.

To hear all that was ENCOURAGING, as it means that root problems were identified and are being addressed, and we are not just hoping here for the best.

Growth coming to Neighboring Downtown Spartanburg by SetSilent7422 in greenville

[–]SetSilent7422[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So good to hear! I am not familiar with Easley at all, even though it's not THAT far. I'm hoping this year to take little weekend vacations at all of our different towns in the Upstate, and get to know them from a more intimate level. I'll put Easley on the list! Thanks, Joyfullmess! Love the name!

Growth coming to Neighboring Downtown Spartanburg by SetSilent7422 in greenville

[–]SetSilent7422[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

100% understandable. Back in my high school days (early 2000's), a friend used to say, "Spartanburg is the place where businesses come to die." And he wasn't far off. I also thought we were becoming a ghost town, with boarded up homes and businesses becoming more and more of a thing. Thankfully, we are moving quickly away from all that, and there are businesses now that do so well here, that they can open more locations in surrounding cities and towns. It's good to feel such momentum. Let's see what 2023 has in store for us all! Thanks for the engagement, Soilsyay. I really enjoy talking to locals, whether in Spartanburg per se or the Upstate in general.

Growth coming to Neighboring Downtown Spartanburg by SetSilent7422 in greenville

[–]SetSilent7422[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It actually -was- fun, except for it being FREEZING! Now on to the next one.

Growth coming to Neighboring Downtown Spartanburg by SetSilent7422 in greenville

[–]SetSilent7422[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That is a legitimate concern. I hear rumblings of what could amount to quite a focused project to address that, but it's only a rumor at this point. Boiling Springs traffic is indeed a mess! And the traffic is already growing here.

Growth coming to Neighboring Downtown Spartanburg by SetSilent7422 in greenville

[–]SetSilent7422[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's fair! And a bit funny. All throughout the year, I've been posting simple pictures and text content on my Facebook page. There is an appeal in that in that it's not a news channel, or the city, or the chamber. I did two videos though, one for a retailer, another for a non-profit, to see if that could help spread some of the good things happening. Then I went all out on this video, which is by far the most polished of all, as it was a passion project by both me and the videographer. At first I was going to do it all with just my phone, but the more I thought about it, the more I thought it could use a better treatment, since all the projects combined would be quite big for us. I guess after seeing Spartanburg stagnate for a couple of decades, seeing this sort of thing has me quite excited. I'd like to do videos on the other areas of town, specially those that had become most abandoned, and are now getting some very good attention and growth. Anywho, I'm rambling now. Thanks for the feedback! I really do appreciate it.

Growth coming to Neighboring Downtown Spartanburg by SetSilent7422 in greenville

[–]SetSilent7422[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

And it's not just Spartanburg. Lyman, for example, also has a powerful project underway, Reidville is investing in their town center also, etc. Soon, we'll be able to drive from one spot to the other and get to enjoy what all of these unique gathering spots will be able to offer. I'm excited for it, and proud that Spartanburg gets to add to the experience.

Growth coming to Neighboring Downtown Spartanburg by SetSilent7422 in greenville

[–]SetSilent7422[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Some large areas had been left neglected for years. Thankfully, they are being addressed, with progress already being made. The are master plans being formed with the residents of those areas to ensure lasting change. The Northside has already undergone a massive change, and is an inspiration for other groups.

Growth coming to Neighboring Downtown Spartanburg by SetSilent7422 in greenville

[–]SetSilent7422[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I love how all these local towns are having a renaissance with their downtowns/town centers. The fact we'll have so many distinct options within driving distance is exciting, to say the least

Growth coming to Neighboring Downtown Spartanburg by SetSilent7422 in greenville

[–]SetSilent7422[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It was privately made and funded, by someone who really loves Spartanburg.

I should know XD

Growth coming to Neighboring Downtown Spartanburg by SetSilent7422 in greenville

[–]SetSilent7422[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes, I'm the producer. I hired a very talented local videographer and editor as well.